Cryptolocker ransomware took over the department’s entire computer system and the police were forced to pay a $750 ransom to get back control.

As the ransomware takes over your computer, a countdown clock appears and shows victims how long they have to pay up. That means purchasing a key, or software, to reverse the process. And victims must do that using the online virtual currency known as bitcoins.

“Once you have purchased a bitcoin, then the transaction that you use that bitcoin in is encrypted, and therefore you cannot trace it,” explained Goodchild.

Swindon says it appears to be the perfect crime.

The FBI tells WBZ-TV they are very worried about this spreading in 2014.

The scheme could be the work of organized gangs overseas. So far, no one has been caught.